Lupinus plant named ‘Saffron’

ABSTRACT

‘Saffron’ is a new variety of  Lupinus hybridus  that exhibits numerous and large-shaped butter-colored flowers.

Botanical classification: Lupinus hybridus.

Varietal denomination: ‘Saffron’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of Lupinus hybridus known by the varietal name ‘Saffron’. The new variety was developed in Great Britain. The new variety is a result of cross breeding a Russell Hybrid Lupinus Seedling (female parent) (unpatented) and an unknown Lupinus male parent (unpatented). The purpose of the breeding program was to develop a cultivar that exhibited improved color, habit, and bloom form from other Lupinus varieties known to the breeder. The new variety is similar in growth habit to its female parent, but differs in flower color. The new variety is similar in flower color to Lupinus hybridus ‘Chandelier’, but exhibits larger flowers, more closely packed flowers, and a dissimilar growth habit. The new variety was first asexually reproduced by basal cuttings/tissue culture in Great Britain. The new variety has been trial and field tested and has been found to retain its distinctive characteristics and remain true to type through successive asexual propagations. Characteristics that distinguish the new variety from others known to the breeder include:

-   -   Clear and intense flower color;     -   Flower form—papilionaceous, with large flowers packed closely on         the spike; and     -   Vigorous growth habit.

The new variety was grown in open soil with additional organic fertilizer applied. The new variety initiates and develops roots in 21 days at 15° C. A finished and flowering plant is produced in 36 weeks in a 21 cm container. The new variety exhibits sparse, but thick roots, that exhibit some branching.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying photographic drawings illustrate the new variety, with the color being as nearly true as is possible with color illustrations of this type:

FIG. 1 is a photographic image of multiple plants of the new variety;

FIG. 2 is a close-up photograph of the petals of the new variety; and

FIG. 3 is a close-up photograph of both surfaces of the leaves of the new variety.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT

The following detailed description sets forth the characteristics of the new cultivar. The data which defines these characteristics were collected by asexual reproductions carried out in Great Britain. The color readings were taken outside under natural daylight. Color references are primarily to the R.H.S. Colour Chart of The Royal Horticultural Society of London.

PLANT

-   Form: Mounded and symmetrical. -   Stem:     -   -   Diameter.—14 mm.         -   Color.—Between 145B and 145C.         -   Texture.—Slightly hirsute, smooth with longitudinal ridges.         -   Pubescence.—Slight to medium. -   Height: 70 cm. -   Plant diameter: 55 cm. -   Vigor: Good. -   Branching habit: Free. -   Lateral branches:     -   -   Diameter.—8 mm.         -   Texture.—Lightly hirsute, smooth with longitudinal ridges.         -   Pubescence.—Present.         -   Color.—Between 145B and 145C. -   Foliage:     -   -   Arrangement.—Ascending spiral.         -   Length of leaf stalk.—22 cm.         -   Size of leaf (overall).—Length: 15 cm. Width: 16 cm.         -   Leaflets.—Shape of leaflet: Oblanceolate. Number: 15. Width:             1.9 cm. Length: 7.8 cm. Shape of apex: Acute. Shape of base:             Cuneate. Aspect: Horizontal presentation. Margin type:             Smooth; entire. Pubescence: Upper surface: None present.             Lower surface: Slight. Color: Young leaflet: Upper surface:             Between 137B and 137C. Lower surface: 137D. Mature leaflet:             Upper surface: 137A. Lower surface: 137C. Petiole: Shape:             Flattened and round. Length: 22 cm. Diameter: 5 mm. Color:             144B. Venation: Central; mid-rib; colored the same as the             leaflets.

FLOWER

-   Bud (described when buds where just beginning to open):     -   -   Shape.—Napiform.         -   Diameter.—8 mm.         -   Length.—13 mm.         -   Color.—1D. -   Natural flowering season: May through July in The Netherlands. -   Flower type and habit: Spike.     -   -   Number of flowers per spike.—149.         -   Length of spike.—46 cm.         -   Diameter of spike.—11 cm. -   Corolla:     -   -   Form.—Zygomorphic.         -   Petals.—Standard Petals: Number: 2-fused. Length: 18 mm.             Width: 10 mm. Shape: Ovate. Aspect: Parallel to spike.             Margin: Smooth and entire. Wing Petals: Number: 2. Length:             20 mm. Width: 11 mm. Shape: Ovoid to kidney-shaped. Aspect:             Slightly tilted upward. Margin: Smooth and entire. Keel             Petals: Number: 2-fused. Length: 17 mm. Width: 6 mm. Shape:             Lingulate. Aspect: Located within wing petals and pointing             upwards. Margin: Smooth and entire. Texture and appearance:             Smooth and satin-like. Color: When opening: Upper surface:             Wing petals are 11C; Standard petals are 10D and 5B; Keel             petals are 10C. Lower surface: 11D for Wing and Standard             petals; Keel petals are 10C. Fully opened: Upper surface:             Wing petals are 10B; Standard petals are 2D and 5B; Keel             petals are 10C. Lower surface: 10C for all three petal             types. Keel tip color: 167C.         -   Throat (visible when the standard petals are parted from the             keel petals.—Color: 4D. Texture: Smooth and satin-like. -   Calyx:     -   -   Form.—Two unequal halves.         -   Length.—7 mm.         -   Diameter.—14 mm.         -   Sepal shape.—Elliptic.         -   Sepal margin.—Smooth and entire.         -   Sepal texture.—Smooth with slight pubescence.         -   Sepal size.—Length: 7 mm. Width: 4.5 mm.         -   Sepal color.—Upper surface: Between 149B and 149C. Lower             surface: Between 149C and 149D. -   Fragrance: Slight. -   Disease resistance/susceptibility: Susceptible to powdery mildew. -   Temperature tolerance: Medium to good. -   Lasting quality: Medium to good.

REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

-   Stamens:     -   -   Number (per flower).—There are two groups. A first group             with 6 stamens and a second group with 4 stamens.         -   Filaments.—Length: First group: 3.5 mm. Second group: 7 mm.             Fused: Yes.         -   Anthers.—Shape: First group: Pencil-like. Second group:             Spherical. Length: First group: 2 mm. Second group: 0.8 mm.             Color: First group: 169B. Second group: 24A.         -   Pollen.—Color: 24A. Amount: Plentiful. -   Pistils:     -   -   Length.—11 mm.         -   Style.—Length: 11 mm. Color: 150C.         -   Stigma.—Shape: Spherical. Color: 150C. -   Seed/fruit production:     -   -   Description of conditions when produced.—Produced freely.         -   Color.—165B.         -   Size.—1.0 mm.         -   Number.—Approximately 2000 per plant. 

1. A new and distinct variety of Lupinus hybridus plant named ‘Saffron’ as is herein described and illustrated. 